New rumors on the 2012 Camaro ZL1 horsepower surface

When the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 made its grand debut at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year, we were told that the supercharged 6.2L V8 would produce somewhere in the neighborhood of 550 horsepower – causing a world of speculation in the muscle car world but according to LSX TV, the Camaro ZL1 could pack over 570 horsepower.

While General Motors has never stated an actual power number for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, many have expected that their estimation of 550 horsepower would more likely be the same 556 horsepower offered by the Cadillac CTS-V. The problem is that the CTS-V doesn’t have to face much competition in the world of high performance luxury segment but when the Camaro ZL1 hits, it will have to deal with the Ford Shelby GT500 that currently offers 550 horsepower along with weighing a little less than the Camaro. According to LSX TV, a source close to the ZL1 project stated that it could have “north of 570 horsepower” to help give it a competitive advantage over its cross-town rival sporting the Shelby name. LSX TV also claims that we are growing close to the official statement but it is an interesting chess match to see whether GM unveils the power output of the Camaro ZL1 or Ford unveils the next GT500. With a power output in the area of 570-580 horsepower, it will still leave plenty of room between itself and the Corvette ZR1; while still packing enough power to allow it to best the current Shelby GT500…even though there are similar rumors that the next GT500 will have over 600 horsepower.

Luckily, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will have much more going for it than just gobs of power, as the premium package for the Chevy muscle car will come equipped with the same Magnetic Selective Ride Control that is found in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – a system that has made it one of the fastest cars in the world. On top of that, the ZL1 will feature physical changes that are aimed to help it stand apart from the non-ZL1 models as well as enhancing the performance capabilities.

Hopefully, with the 2012 calendar year quickly drawing near, General Motors won’t keep the world waiting much longer for the full details on the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 – a car slated to be the best-handing Camaro ever. Check out the gallery below for a closer look at the 2012 Camaro ZL1.

Other GM News:
The new high performance Camaro to be named ZL1 not Z/28
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuts at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show
GM to offer an auto trans, performance traction system on Camaro ZL1
New DeTomaso Pantera to debut in Frankfurt – with video
General Motors offers free car insurance on new models

Source: LSX TV